Bootle travel to Staffordshire to take on Dale Belford’s Stafford Rangers who currently sit three places below The Bucks at 19th in the league table.
By Brendan Doyle
Mick McGraa’s side are coming off the back of a 2-2 draw to Trafford at The Berry Street Garage Stadium, a lot of the fans and the manager himself feel the performance was much better than what Bootle have seen as of late but nonetheless, The Bucks were hit with a devastating equaliser in the 72nd minute as Halil Khan hit a wonderfully struck shot into the far corner of Tony Thompson. Earlier this week the club announced the resigning of centre back Lewis Earl from Bury and also gained the services of right back Michael Simpson from Widnes. A double defensive signing which could potentially really improve the ranks at Bootle FC.
Stafford Rangers lost their last outing 2-1 away to Newcastle down and currently sit in the relegation zone and four points behind Clitheroe who are in the safety area, it’s safe to say Rangers haven’t had the best campaign as league newcomers this season. A win today could be a huge start for Dale Belford’s side to climb out of the dreaded drop zone and ensure their place in the division for next season.
Club Fact File:
Founded: 1876
The Manager: On Friday, the news was announced that Dale Belford and Stafford Rangers had parted ways. Dale Belford had previously managed Tamworth, Atherstone Town, Rugby Town and Hinckley AFC, this is his fifth job as a manager. Assistant Manager, Graham Deakin, will be in charge for the game against Bootle.
The Ground: In the 2006–07 season Rangers had an average attendance of over 1000.
On 14 December 2018 the new Shed End (a covered terrace at the far side of the ground) was completed and opened in a league game against local rivals Hednesford Town, with the Boro winning the game 4–1. The Shed End was a fan led project. Fans are now raising money for a cantilever stand at the Social Club End. Following its completion, the ground will have cover on all sides. Prior to the 2019–20 season a group of fans renovated two unused rooms at the football ground to create a new Fans Bar. The Fans Bar is open to home and away fans on match days. During November 2019 the club had the away turnstiles refurbished, this also included new exit gates and new fencing being erected, the club's car park situated at the front of the ground was fully tarmacked, replacing a rubble surface.
As of August 2023, Marston Road has been renamed The Stan Robinson Stadium, due to a new sponsorship deal with the haulage company of the same name. This is due to the loyalty and support Stan Robinson showed over many years.
Recent Honours:
Northern Premier League Division One South Winners 2015/16
Staffordshire Senior Cup Winners 2014/15, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2021/22
Can't make it to Marston Road on Saturday afternoon? Bucks TV have got you covered with live commentary from 14:55pm through the link here.